Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LM
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to obtain images of soft tissues within the body, such as the brain, cardiovascular system, and joints.
What is an MRI Scanner?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner is a medical device that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the inside of the body, particularly the soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and organs.
How does it work?
When a patient enters the MRI machine, their body’s hydrogen atoms align with the magnetic field. Radio waves are then used to temporarily disrupt this alignment. When the radio waves are turned off, the hydrogen atoms return to their aligned state, emitting energy that is detected by the scanner.
Different tissues emit different signals based on their hydrogen atom density and molecular environment, allowing the scanner to create detailed images that physicians can use to diagnose various medical conditions.
